British man and Argentine woman face trial for cocaine smuggling in Bali
- Eleonora Gracia was arrested in March at Bali's airport with cocaine hidden in her body.
- Authorities claim she transferred the cocaine to Elliot James Shaw at a hotel.
- Both face up to 12 years in prison if convicted, with the trial adjourned until July 3.
In Indonesia, a trial has commenced against two individuals, Elliot James Shaw and Eleonora Gracia, accused of smuggling cocaine. Arrested in March at Bali's airport, Eleonora Gracia was found with 244 grams of cocaine hidden within her body. Authorities allege she handed this cocaine over to Elliot James Shaw at a hotel near a Bali beach shortly after her arrival. The prosecution has stated that the pair violated Indonesia's strict anti-narcotics laws which carry a potential punishment of up to 12 years in prison. On June 26, 2025, their trial began in Denpasar, the provincial capital of Bali, where both accused appeared in court wearing face masks and remained silent throughout the proceedings. The panel of judges announced that the trial would be adjourned until July 3, at which time they would continue to review the evidence before making a ruling. The judges have indicated that a verdict is expected to be delivered next month. Indonesia is known for its strict stance on drug offenses, with many individuals currently on death row for drug-related crimes. According to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, despite its stringent drug laws, Indonesia continues to be targeted by international drug traffickers, primarily because of its young population. In a recent anti-drug operation, Indonesian authorities arrested 285 persons, including several foreigners, and confiscated a significant quantity of narcotics. The case of Shaw and Gracia highlights the ongoing challenges of drug smuggling in Indonesia as the country grapples with drug syndicates exploiting its tourism sector. It underscores the potential repercussions for those involved in illicit drug trafficking in a region known for its rigid legal system surrounding narcotics. As the public and media closely follow the trial, it remains a stark reminder of the severe penalties involved in drug-related offenses in Indonesia and reflects the broader international issue of drug trafficking networks targeting vulnerable populations.